Blender-compatible ice-conditioning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frozen confection machines are often large, commercial-grade, and limited in versatility, making them unsuitable for home use or small settings, and there is a need for a portable, configurable device that can produce multiple types of frozen confections using common household appliances like blenders or mixers.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus compatible with blenders or mixers, featuring a housing with an ice conditioning blade and paddle wheel, driven by the motor of a separate device, allowing for the production of snow cones or shaved ice, and potentially other products, using a drive coupler to connect with various motorized devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If commercial-grade frozen confection machines are used, then production capacity and reliability are improved, but device size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into separable components including a housing, blade assembly, and drive coupler that can attach to different blender types. This segmentation allows the system to maintain commercial-grade functionality while reducing individual component sizes for home use portability
Solution Approach 2:
The drive coupler is designed to interface with multiple types of blender and mixer motors, making the apparatus universally compatible with common household appliances. This multi-functionality allows a single device to achieve commercial-grade production capacity across different home appliance platforms
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized frozen confection machines are purchased, then product quality is improved, but versatility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus can produce multiple frozen confection products including snow cones, shaved ice, and crushed ice by adjusting the blade configuration and operating parameters. The universal drive coupler enables compatibility with various household appliances, providing both quality consistency and operational versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly can be adjusted or replaced to change the ice processing characteristics, allowing the same apparatus to produce different textures and types of frozen confections. This dynamic adjustability maintains product quality while enhancing versatility
3Reliability
If large commercial machines are deployed, then reliability and consistent performance are improved, but ease of operation and storage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The compact, separable design allows the apparatus to be easily stored when not in use and simple to set up and operate. The modular construction maintains reliable performance through consistent component interfaces while improving ease of operation for home environments
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient, efficient, and versatile production of frozen confections in a compact form, compatible with household appliances, addressing the need for a portable and multi-functional device that can produce snow cones, shaved ice, and other products.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus includes a drive coupler configured for receiving a drive shaft of a separate device, wherein the drive shaft of the separate device is connected to a motor of the separate device
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems, for producing frozen confections and conditioning ice for use in frozen confections. An apparatus includes a housing comprising an inner cavity defined by a sidewall and an ice conditioning blade disposed within the sidewall of the housing. The apparatus includes a paddle wheel disposed within the inner cavity of the housing. The apparatus includes a drive coupler for communicating with a motor, wherein the drive coupler communicates power from the motor to the paddle wheel.